The original Karate Kid trains a skilled martial arts student who will don the “Karate Kid” mantle in the official trailer for Karate Kid: Legends. And in classic Daniel LaRusso style, he advises his new student to remember what it is he’s fighting for.
Ralph Macchio stars as Daniel LaRusso, and Jackie Chan reprises his role as Mr. Han from 2010’s The Karate Kid film with Jaden Smith. Ben Wang (2024’s Mean Girls), Joshua Jackson (Doctor Odyssey), Sadie Stanley (Cruel Summer), and Ming-Na Wen (The Book of Boba Fett) also star in the first film that unites the two Karate Kid universes.
“Karate Kid: Legends unites the iconic martial arts masters of one of the most beloved film franchises of all time to tell a completely new story full of action and heart. When kung fu prodigy Li Fong (Wang) relocates to New York City with his mother to attend a prestigious new school, he finds solace in a new friendship with a classmate and her father,” reads Sony Pictures’ synopsis. “But his newfound peace is short-lived after he attracts unwanted attention from a formidable local karate champion. Driven by a desire to defend himself, Li embarks on a journey to enter the ultimate karate competition. Guided by the wisdom of his kung fu teacher, Mr. Han (Chan), and the legendary Karate Kid, Daniel LaRusso (Macchio), Li merges their unique styles to prepare for an epic martial arts showdown.”
Karate Kid: Legends will open in theaters on May 30, 2025.
Jonathan Entwistle (Hello Tomorrow!) directs from a screenplay by Rob Lieber. Karen Rosenfelt serves as producer, with Jenny Hinkey and Ralph Macchio as executive producers.
Investigation Discovery has set a Monday, May 5, 2025 premiere date for season three of The Playboy Murders. Holly Madison returns as host and executive producer of the true crime documentary series that dives into deaths connected to the Playboy brand.
The six-episode season kicks off with a look at the murder of Kimberly Fattorini, a Playboy casting assistant. A Playboy photographer and a waitress, who appeared in a Playboy pictorial, are among the other cases under investigation.
Poster for ‘The Playboy Murders’ season 3 (Photo Credit: ID)
The Playboy Murders Season 3 Episodes:
Last Dance
Premieres Monday, May 5 at 9/8c on ID
After breaking up with her boyfriend and boss, Kimberly Fattorini navigates the L.A. nightlife scene on her own for the first time. However, the VIP treatment comes with a tragic twist when a wild night out ends in her mysterious death.
Terror at the Suncoast Club
Premieres Monday, May 12 at 9/8c on ID
Panic spreads at the Suncoast Playboy Club when an aspiring photographer turns up brutally murdered right after shooting the annual “Bunny of the Year” contest. The Playboy Bunnies fear their club is a target and that one of them could be next.
The Centerfold and the Serial Killer
Premieres Monday, May 19 at 9/8c on ID
Kerissa Fare is thrilled to be September 2000’s Playmate of the Month. However, just as the magazine is about to hit newsstands, a mysterious man from her past becomes a suspect in multiple murders, and investigators want to talk to her.
The Doctor and the Bunny
Premieres Monday, June 2 at 9/8c on ID
As a Playboy Bunny, Jackie Hendrickson is forbidden from fraternizing with her customers. However, Atlanta plastic surgeon Dr. Warren Brown is impossible to resist, and their illicit affair sets off a deadly chain of events.
Sex, Drugs and Playboy
Premieres Monday, June 9 at 9/8c on ID
When Adrienne Pollack dies, her family suspects there’s more to the story than meets the eye. As they dig to find the truth, they uncover that Adrienne was hiding a dark secret which, if true, could take Hugh Hefner down.
The Girl in the Red Tub
Season 3 Finale Premieres Monday, June 16 at 9/8c on ID
A local waitress catapults to stardom when featured in a Playboy pictorial. She soaks up the fame and newfound attention until a surprise goes wrong, ending in tragedy, and she becomes a victim in a gruesome double murder.
The official Bring Her Back trailer from A24 provides minimal insight into the film’s plot, a decision that YouTube commenters find totally acceptable. The minute-long trailer is incredibly creepy and confirms that if you’re a young boy in a project by Talk to Me directors Danny and Michael Philippou, you’re in for a wild ride.
The synopsis doesn’t give away much either: “A brother and sister uncover a terrifying ritual at the secluded home of their new foster mother.”
Billy Barratt (Invasion), Sora Wong, Jonah Wren Phillips (Sweet Tooth), and Sally-Anne Upton (Neighbours) star. The cast also includes Stephen Phillips (Apple Cider Vinegar), Mischa Heywood (The Wonder Gang), and Sally Hawkins (Wonka).
Robin Weigert (Tracker) guest stars on ABC’s Will Trent season three episode 12, “You’re the Worst Person in the World.” Episode 12 will air on April 1, 2025 at 8pm ET/PT.
Ramón Rodríguez leads the cast as the titular character. Erika Christensen stars as Angie Polaski, Iantha Richardson is Faith Mitchell, Jake McLaughlin is Michael Ormewood, and Sonja Sohn is Amanda Wagner. Gina Rodriguez joins the cast as Marion Alba for season three.
“You’re the Worst Person In the World” Plot: While grappling with his own trauma, Will goes undercover at Olas Collective, a suspicious wellness community, to uncover the truth behind the organization and investigate a string of deaths tied to its members.
Ramon Rodriguez and Robin Weigert in ‘Will Trent’ season 3 episode 12 (Disney/Zac Popik)
Will Trent Series Description, Courtesy of ABC:
Based on Karin Slaughter’s New York Times bestselling Will Trent series, Special Agent Will Trent of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) was abandoned at birth and endured a harsh coming-of-age in Atlanta’s overwhelmed foster care system. Now, Will uses his unique point of view in the pursuit of justice and has the highest clearance rate in the GBI.
Jake McLaughlin and Erika Christensen in season 3 episode 12 (Disney/Zac Popik)Iantha Richardson in season 3 episode 12 (Disney/Daniel Delgado Jr.)Ramon Rodriguez in season 3 episode 12 (Disney/Daniel Delgado Jr.)Gina Rodriguez in season 3 episode 12 (Disney/Daniel Delgado Jr.)
ABC’s The Rookie season seven episode 12 takes its plot from The Purge … sort of. Plus, expect some Chenford action. Episode 12, “April Fools,” will air on April 1, 2025 at 9pm ET/PT.
The cast is led by Nathan Fillion as John Nolan. Season seven stars Mekia Cox as Nyla Harper, Alyssa Diaz as Angela Lopez, Richard T. Jones as Sergeant Wade Grey, Melissa O’Neil as Lucy Chen, Eric Winter as Tim Bradford, Jenna Dewan as Bailey Nune, Shawn Ashmore as Wesley Evers, and Lisseth Chavez as Celina Juarez. Deric Augustine and Patrick Keleher recur as Miles and Seth.
“April Fools” Plot: An April Fools’ prank on LAPD’s social media leads to citywide chaos. Meanwhile, John’s T.O. skills are tested, Wesley is assigned a challenging case, and Tim and Lucy play a joke on the team.
Nathan Fillion in ‘The Rookie’ season 7 episode 12 (Disney/Mike Taing)
The Rookie Season 7 Details:
John Nolan, once the oldest rookie in the LAPD, has used his life experience, determination, and sense of humor to keep up with rookies 20 years his junior. Now recovering from a gunshot wound and feeling the effects of his age, John and the team welcome two new rookies and continue the hunt for two dangerous escaped prisoners who have very personal vendettas.
Melissa O’Neil in season 7 episode 11 (Disney/Mike Taing)Alyssa Diaz and Mekia Cox in season 7 episode 12 (Disney/Mike Taing)Richard T. Jones in season 7 episode 12 (Disney/Mike Taing)
Not only did Black Mirror drop a lengthy season seven trailer, but it also released episode titles and plot details. The six-episode season, which includes the much-anticipated sequel to USS Callister, will premiere on April 10, 2025.
Charlie Brooker created the series and once again writes each of the episodes. Season seven directors include David Slade, Ally Pankiw, Toby Haynes, Haolu Wang, and Luke Taylor. Brooker, Jessica Rhoades, and Annabel Jones executive produce.
Commenting on the upcoming season, Brooker told Netflix’s Tudum, “You can expect a mix of genres and styles. […]We’ve got six episodes this time, and two of them are basically feature-length. Some of them are deeply unpleasant, some are quite funny, and some are emotional.”
Poster for ‘Black Mirror’ season 7 Common People episode (Photo Credit: Netflix)
Black Mirror Season 7 Episode Details:
Episode 701: Common People
When a medical emergency leaves schoolteacher Amanda fighting for her life, her desperate husband Mike (Chris O’Dowd) signs her up for Rivermind, a high-tech system that will keep her alive – but at a cost…. Starring Rashida Jones as Amanda and Tracee Ellis Ross as Gaynor. Charlie Brooker wrote the script, and Ally Pankiw directed.
Poster for Bete Noire (Photo Credit: Netflix)
Episode 702: Bête Noire
Confectionary whizz kid Maria (Siena Kelly) is unnerved when her former schoolmate Verity (Rosy McEwen) joins the company she works at — because there’s something altogether odd about Verity, something only Maria seems to notice… The cast also includes Michael Workéyè as Kae, Ben Bailey Smith as Gabe, Amber Grappy as Yudy, Ravi Aujla as Mr Ditta, Elena Sanz as Camille, and Hanna Griffiths as Luisa. Written by Charlie Brooker and directed by Toby Haynes.
Poster for Hotel Reverie (Photo Credit: Netflix)
Episode 703: Hotel Reverie
A high-tech, unusually immersive remake of a vintage British film sends Hollywood A-list star Brandy Friday (Issa Rae) into another dimension, where she must stick to the script if she ever wants to make it home. Emma Corrin plays Dorothy, Awkwafina plays Kimmy, and Harriet Walter is Judith Keyworth. Haolu Wang directs from Charlie Brooker’s script.
Poster for Plaything (Photo Credit: Netflix)
Episode 704: Plaything
In a near-future London, an eccentric murder suspect is linked to an unusual video game from the 1990s — a game populated by cute, evolving artificial lifeforms. Peter Capaldi stars as Cameron Walker (2034), Lewis Gribben is Cameron Walker (1994), James Nelson Joyce plays DCI Kano, Michele Austin is Jen Minter, Will Poulter is Colin Ritman, and Asim Chaudhry is Mohan Thakur. Charlie Brooker writes, and David Slade directs.
Poster for Eulogy (Photo Credit: Netflix)
Episode 705: Eulogy
An isolated man is introduced to a groundbreaking system that allows its users to literally step inside old photographs — stirring powerful emotions in the process. Paul Giamatti plays Phillip and Patsy Ferran is The Guide. Charlie Brooker and Ella Road wrote episode five, and Chris Barrett and Luke Taylor direct.
Poster for USS Callister Into Infinity (Photo Credit: Netflix)
Episode 706: USS Callister: Into Infinity
Robert Daly is dead, but now the crew of the USS Callister – led by Captain Nanette Cole (Cristin Milioti) – are stranded in an infinite virtual universe, fighting for survival against 30 million players. Jimmi Simpson plays James Walton, Billy Magnussen is Karl Plowman, Osy Ikhile is Nate Packer, Milanka Brooks is Elena Tulaska, and Paul G. Raymond is Kabir Dudani. Toby Haynes directs, and Charlie Brooker, Bisha K. Ali, William Bridges, and Bekka Bowling wrote the USS Callister sequel.
David Henrie, Janie Leann Brown, and Selena Gomez in ‘Wizards Beyond Waverly Place’ (Disney/Eric McCandless)
Filming is expected to get underway next month on season two of Disney Channel’s Wizards Beyond Waverly Place. Disney Branded Television renewed the popular comedy, which currently holds Disney Channel’s record for the most-watched series premiere.
The Wizards of Waverly Place sequel stars David Henrie as Justin Russo, Janice LeAnn Brown as Billie, Alkaio Thiele as Roman Russo, Max Matenko as Milo Russo, Taylor Cora as Winter, and Mimi Gianopulos as Giada Russo. Henrie and Selena Gomez serve as executive producers along with Jed Elinoff, Scott Thomas, Gary Marsh, and Jonas Agin. Elinoff and Thomas are the writers.
“I’m overwhelmed by all the love for the series and ready to keep serving this new generation of Wizards fans with more Russo magic while continuing to deliver a big warm hug to the original fan!” said David Henrie. “So many surprises in store for this second season. It’s going to be big, so stay tuned!”
The series premiered on October 29, 2024, and was watched more than 3.2 million times over its first 12 days. Disney Branded Television didn’t announce a target premiere date for season two.
Disney Channel’s official synopsis reads: “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place follows an adult Justin Russo, who has chosen to lead a normal, mortal life with his family, Giada, Roman, and Milo. When Justin’s sister Alex brings Billie to his home seeking help, Justin realizes he must dust off his magical skills to mentor the wizard-in-training while also juggling his everyday responsibilities — and safeguarding the future of the Wizard World.”
ABC’s Doctor Odyssey episode 13 brings in Kathryn Newton (Abigail), Paris Jackson (Michael Jackson’s daughter), Ava Phillippe (daughter of Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe), and Charlotte Lawrence (daughter of actor Christa Miller and producer Bill Lawrence) for guest starring roles. Episode 13, “Spring Break,” will air on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 9pm ET/PT.
Joshua Jackson (Fatal Attraction) plays Dr. Max Bankman, Phillipa Soo (Shining Girls) is Nurse Avery Morgan, Sean Teale (Little Voice) is Nurse Tristan Silva, and Don Johnson (Rebel Ridge) stars as Captain Robert Massey. Ryan Murphy, Jon Robin Baitz, and Joe Baken write and executive produce the first season.
“Spring Break” Plot: Spring break hits The Odyssey as three college “vixens” set their sights on Max. Meanwhile, Tristan faces his drinking problem while other passengers’ struggles keep the medical team on their toes. Anthony Turpel and Ariel Yasmine guest star.
Ava Phillippe, Charlotte Lawrence, and Paris Jackson in ‘Doctor Odyssey’ episode 13 (Disney/Ray Mickshaw)
Doctor Odyssey Plot Description, Courtesy of ABC:
From the brilliant mind of Ryan Murphy comes the high-octane procedural Doctor Odyssey. Max (Jackson) is the new onboard doctor for a luxury cruise ship where the staff works hard and plays harder. It’s all hands on deck as Max and his small but mighty medical team navigate unique medical crises and each other miles from shore.
Ava Phillippe, Kathryn Newton and Paris Jackson in episode 13 (Disney/Ray Mickshaw)Joshua Jackson in the “Spring Break” episode (Disney/Ray Mickshaw)Phillipa Soo, Joshua Jackson and Sean Teale in episode 13 (Disney/Ray Mickshaw)Charlotte Lawrence, Ava Phillippe, and Paris Jackson in episode 13 (Disney/Ray Mickshaw)
Tommy Flanagan and Dan Fogler join ‘House of the Dragon’ (Photo Credits: Simon Murphy / HBO)
Season three of HBO’s House of the Dragon has officially begun production in the UK with two newly confirmed cast members. Per HBO, Tommy Flanagan will play Ser Roderick Dustin and Dan Fogler is on board as Ser Torrhen Manderly.
Returning stars include Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen, Emma D’Arcy as Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, Olivia Cooke as Queen Dowager Alicent Hightower, Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon, Rhys Ifans as Ser Otto Hightower, Fabien Frankel as Ser Criston Cole, Ewan Mitchell as Prince Aemond Targaryen, and Tom Glynn-Carney as King Aegon II Targaryen. Sonoya Mizuno plays Mysaria, Harry Collett is Prince Jacaerys Velaryon, Bethany Antonia is Lady Baela Targaryen, Phoebe Campbell is Lady Rhaena Targaryen, Phia Saban is Queen Helaena Targaryen, Jefferson Hall is Ser Tyland Lannister, and Matthew Needham is Lord Larys Strong.
Rounding out the returning ensemble are Tom Bennett as Ulf, Kieran Bew as Hugh, Kurt Egyiawan as Grand Maester Orwyle, Freddie Fox as Ser Gwayne Hightower, Clinton Liberty as Addam of Hull, Gayle Rankin as Alys Rivers, and Abubakar Salim as Alyn of Hull. James Norton joins the fantasy series as Ormund Hightower.
House of the Dragon is set 200 years prior to the events in Game of Thrones. Author George R.R. Martin and Ryan Condal co-created the series and serve as executive producers, with Condal returning as showrunner. Additional executive producers include Sara Hess, Melissa Bernstein, Kevin de la Noy, Vince Gerardis, David Hancock, and Philippa Goslett.
Clare Kilner, Nina Lopez-Corrado, Andrij Parekh, and Loni Peristere will direct episodes of the eight-episode season.
Pedro Pascal as Clint in ‘Freaky Tales’ (Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate)
Freaky Tales opens with the declaration that Oakland in 1987 was wild. That sets the tone for the film’s four bizarre chapters, which play out like a web of interconnected urban myths shrouded in a mysterious green light. Freaky Tales is impossible to confuse with your typical 1980s film; it’s a twisted, fantastical trip back in time that blends comedy and exaggerated action with serious — and, unfortunately, timely — themes of racism, misogyny, and the power of community.
The first chapter, “Strength in Numbers,” plunges us into a confrontation between a violent Nazi gang and punk rockers. This intro chapter is like stepping into a gritty comic book or an ultra-violent, stylized adaptation of the classic Batman TV series. Freaky Tales finds a weird way to emphasize the stark moral difference between the punkers fighting hatred and the ridiculously evil Nazis.
“Chapter 2: Don’t Fight the Feeling” shifts focus to aspiring rappers Danger Zone-Barbie (Dominique Thorne) and Entice (Normani)—whose day job at an ice cream shop brings them into contact with a predatory cop (Ben Mendelsohn). An invitation to open mic night showcases the talented women who have the genuine skills and the strength to overcome misogynists.
Chapter 3: Born to Mack takes a darker turn with Clint (Pedro Pascal, The Last of Us), a debt collector ready to leave his violent past behind for his pregnant wife. This chapter has the biggest emotional impact, delving into themes of redemption and the devastating consequences of past deeds. Pedro Pascal delivers a captivating performance as the world-weary Clint, and the unexpected appearance of a big-name cameo as a quirky video store clerk adds a touch of meta humor. The green light thingy pops up randomly throughout Freaky Tales, and in Chapter 3, it is seen in an antagonist who may have supernatural powers.
Freaky Tales requires a lot of patience, but the final chapter, “The Legend of Sleepy Floyd,” makes it all worth it. Chapter 4 pulls all the different threads together, culminating in an over-the-top ballet of violence led by a reimagined version of former NBA star Eric “Sleepy” Floyd as a katana-wielding vigilante.
Freaky Tales is jam-packed with creative energy as if writer/directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck (Captain Marvel) had a jumble of disparate story ideas floating around and found the most bizarre way possible to tie them together. Occasionally, the film’s ambition outstrips its execution. However, even in those instances, something compelling is happening that keeps the audience invested. And by the final chapter, the strange green glow, which remains unexplained, begins to grow on you.
Ultimately, Freaky Tales truly embodies its title. It is daring, bizarre, and chaotic, with a style that epitomizes pure, unfiltered weirdness. For those ready to accept the unexpected, the payoff will be worthwhile.
GRADE: B
Rating: R for language throughout, drug use, sexual content, slurs, and strong bloody violence
Running Time: 1 hour 47 minutes
Release Date: April 4, 2025
Studio: Lionsgate
